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How do I register a business name in Ontario?
NextGen Docs form ND-1184. Search ND-1184 on docs.ngz.ca to make this document again.
Register a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporate operating name on the Ontario Business Registry and get a Master Business Licence.
Start this document FreeHow it works
What you will fill in
- Who will own the business name?
- The business name you want
- What does the business do?
- Business address in Ontario
- Owner names
Good to know
- A business name registration does not protect the name the way a trademark or incorporation does. Search first, and consider a trademark for a brand you'll build.
- Without registering, you can't sue in Ontario under that name without court permission (Business Names Act).
- Renew every 5 years. The Registry sends a reminder, but put it in your calendar too.
Help in your language
Every question comes with help like this. For example, “Who will own the business name?”:
English: A sole proprietor is one person. A partnership is two or more people sharing profits. A corporation can also register a name it uses that is different from its legal name.
اردو: نام کا مالک کون۔
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ: ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਕੌਣ।
हिन्दी: नाम का मालिक कौन।
Français: Une entreprise individuelle, une société de personnes ou une société par actions qui utilise un autre nom.
Questions people ask
How much does the How do I register a business name in Ontario? cost?
It is free to fill in, preview and download.
Can I fill in the How do I register a business name in Ontario? in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi or French?
Yes. The finished document is in English, but every question has plain help in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and French, and you can speak your answers.
Do I need a lawyer?
Many people use this document on their own. If your situation is complicated, or a lot of money or your home is involved, talk to a lawyer or licensed paralegal. In Ontario, the Law Society Referral Service (findlegalhelp.ca) gives a free 30-minute consultation.
Is my information private?
Only you can see your answers. They are saved on your device, and in your own account if you sign in, so you can finish on another device. NextGen Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.